To keep the economy moving, Senator Marty supports policies to help workers thrive such as living wages, affordable childcare, and universal healthcare. When the health and family needs of workers are addressed, workers are healthier and more productive, helping stimulate economic growth. John was a strong supporter of Minnesota’s new paid family and medical leave law, which gives workers the right to take time off to care for a sick family member or to bond with a new child. Taking care of the needs of workers is pro-business!
After years of right-wing attacks on the labor movement, the number of workers who are represented by unions has declined sharply. Senator Marty has been a strong, consistent proponent of labor and collective bargaining rights and has been an outspoken proponent for laws that ensure fair treatment for workers and the unions they organize.
Minnesota should not attempt to balance its budget through deep cuts and “unallotments,” as it did during the last recession under Republican Governor Pawlenty. That approach led to layoffs of many teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other state and local government employees, making unemployment lines even longer. Those cuts weakened Minnesota and reduced our capacity to deliver essential public services, harming our jobs, roads, bridges, schools, and other vital social services.
Opposition to corporate subsidies as a means of creating jobs
Rather than continuing the current strategy of subsidizing wealthy corporations with the hope that they will create more jobs, Senator Marty supports policies that invest directly in workers and workforce readiness. Many Minnesota communities face a shortage of workers, not a shortage of jobs, and too often workers are not trained to meet the needs of available positions. Investing in training and education—especially in health care, education, and construction—helps ensure that Minnesota businesses have the skilled workers they need to grow and succeed.
Minnesota has too often handed large corporate interests massive subsidies with the hope they will create jobs and stimulate the economy. John has been a leader in opposing these corporate giveaways, from subsidies for billionaire professional sports team owners to subsidies for billionaire tech company data centers. Instead, he supports investments that empower workers and communities across the state.
Investment in public infrastructure
Rather than spending billions of state dollars subsidizing wealthy individuals and big corporations, the state can provide a powerful stimulus for the economy through public infrastructure projects. During the Great Depression, when times were toughest, the state and federal government made huge investments in public infrastructure. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA) put thousands of unemployed people to work, stimulated the economy, and provided lasting benefits to the community. Under the Biden administration, the federal government’s new investments in infrastructure were a big help, but the Trump administration has been cancelling funds already promised, despite the great needs. Minnesota needs to invest more to address our backlog of infrastructure needs.
- Address affordable housing needs through public-private initiatives to significantly speed up construction to address the housing shortage and invest in rehabbing senior and low-income public housing.
- Make cost-saving renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements in schools and other public buildings.
- Address environmental problems by rebuilding wastewater infrastructure.
- Help the U of M and Minnesota colleges and universities through the construction, repair, and maintenance of higher education facilities.
- Improve health and promote access to Minnesota’s natural resources through the construction and maintenance of state park bridges, trails, and buildings.
The backlog of needs is great and will take years to fully address, but these investments are an excellent way to create jobs in the construction industry. Senator Marty supports public infrastructure investment that puts Minnesotans to work, not using public funds to subsidize billionaires for professional sports facilities or tech billionaire data centers, but by making critical investments in meeting public needs.
